Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez ramping up for 2025 debut

Wed Sep 24 1:37pm ET
Field Level Media

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was held out for the first three games of the 2025 season, but his return to the field could be imminent.

New England (1-2) head coach Mike Vrabel said the plan is for Gonzalez to "ramp up" and make his season debut Sunday against the Carolina Panthers (1-2).

"Excited about his efforts and willingness to get back, work hard, and practice last week," Vrabel said Wednesday. "Hopefully he progresses throughout the week, and he can help us."

Gonzalez has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for seven weeks.

The issue arose during a July 28 practice while covering wideout Stefon Diggs. He sat with the injury for more than a month.

Named second-team All-Pro in 2024, Gonzalez has 76 tackles, three interceptions and 14 passes defended in 20 career games (all starts) for New England.

Gonzalez would be welcomed back by the Patriots, who have the No. 29 pass defense in the NFL, allowing 252 passing yards per game.

Gonzalez is expected to start opposite Carlton Davis III, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract in March.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Chris Godwin Sep 28 10:40am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The talented receiver is making his season debut after recovering from a devastating injury during the middle of last season. He's expected to step into a massive role alongside Emeka Egbuka with Mike Evans (hamstring) sidelined. Godwin is a solid low-end WR2 option with WR1 upside in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sep 28 10:40am CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He missed two practices earlier this week but was able to log a full session on Friday. As a result, he was widely expected to play despite being listed as questionable. Indeed, after testing his injury pregame, the rookie has progressed enough to play against Atlanta. He'll continue to operate within a committee that also includes Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols. At best, Croskey-Merritt is a low-end RB3/flex in leagues with at least 14 teams.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Sep 28 10:40am CT
Jaxson Dart

According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the New York Giants' offense is expected to look "a lot different" under rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Hughes noted that he expects the Giants to now attack all three levels of the defense, something they rarely did with Russell Wilson under center during the opening weeks. Outside of their offensive explosion in Week 2 against the Cowboys, the Giants struggled to move the ball downfield. During their loss to the Chiefs last weekend, Wilson threw for just 160 yards with two interceptions. During the preseason, Dart looked very comfortable at the professional level, tallying 372 passing yards with three scores. Even though he has a tough matchup against the Chargers this afternoon, he carries high-end QB2 upside.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 28 10:30am CT
Skylar Thompson

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (hamstring) was robbed on Friday night in Dublin, Ireland. Pelissero noted that the quarterback suffered minor injuries but is "ok" and is with the team. Thompson is currently on the injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten said, "We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident." The 28-year-old spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins and went 21-for-33 with 187 passing yards and no passing scores or interceptions. He will remain the team's No. 3 QB when activated from IR behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 28 10:13am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt was fined $8,172 by the National Football League for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct and a violent gesture in Week 3's game versus the New York Giants. Hunt made a throat-slashing motion after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

From TheHuddle

Fred Warner Sep 28 9:43am CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner was fined $23,186 by the National Football League for committing an act of unnecessary roughness in Week 3's game, when he used his helmet while attempting to tackle Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner.

From TheHuddle

Jayden Daniels Sep 28 9:40am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is expected to return against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Daniels missed last week's game and will remain sidelined this Sunday, but it sounds like the young signal caller will return to action in Los Angeles following a two-game absence. The 24-year-old was the overall QB5 as a rookie last year and is off to a decent start this season, amassing 433 passing yards, 85 rushing yards, and three touchdowns through two contests. He should be treated as a solid mid-range QB1 option upon his return to action.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert Sep 28 9:20am CT
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is headed for an expanded role in Week 4, but his exact fantasy production will likely depend on how many snaps he plays. Tolbert finished with an 88 percent snap share last Sunday, filling in for the injured CeeDee Lamb (ankle). With Lamb still sidelined, Tolbert will likely need to play around 88 percent of the snaps again in order to generate significant fantasy buzz. During the 2024 season, in games where Tolbert played at least 88 percent of the snaps, he averaged 10.5 fantasy points per game (PPR). That level of production would be sufficient for a WR3/flex spot in deeper leagues, but we also must acknowledge that that level of production isn't guaranteed. The exact breakdown of Dallas' passing game volume is uncertain, as we haven't seen this offense start a game without Lamb in 2025. George Pickens should lead the way, but banking on anyone not named Pickens or Jake Ferguson is still risky. As a result, Tolbert can be stashed on the bench this week.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 28 9:10am CT
Rico Dowdle

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle could continue to have low-end fantasy value even if teammate Chuba Hubbard (calf) suits up against the New England Patriots in Week 4. The veteran had 38 scrimmage yards on 11 touches last week, and he also vultured a touchdown from Hubbard to score double-digit fantasy points for the first time this season. In order to get back to the double-digit range, Dowdle would likely need to find the end zone again this week. That's certainly possible, of course, as New England has surrendered three running back touchdowns through three games so far. With that said, Dowdle was +170 to score a touchdown on Saturday, but his odds have shifted to +350 on DraftKings as of Sunday morning.

From RotoBaller

Chris Jones Sep 28 9:00am CT
Chris Jones

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (personal) is currently in Mississippi for his aunt's funeral and will fly back to Missouri prior to Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jones will get on a flight immediately after the funeral, and he's expected to arrive in Kansas City in time for kickoff between the Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Having Jones available is key for the Chiefs as they look to slow down a potent Baltimore offense. The 31-year-old All-Pro has five tackles and one sack through three games this season.

From RotoBaller

Devon Witherspoon Sep 28 9:00am CT
Devon Witherspoon

Several teams are monitoring the possibility of a trade for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen ahead of next month's trade deadline, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Woolen's playing time has decreased this season, and he could continue to see his workload decline now that Devon Witherspoon is healthy. The 26-year-old has 14 tackles through four games but is still looking for his first turnover of the year. In addition to his reduced opportunities, Woolen is an intriguing candidate because he is in a contract season. These factors could make Woolen a relatively affordable option for several teams looking to upgrade their secondary in the coming weeks.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 28 8:50am CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 4 without any major restrictions, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Adams is currently listed as questionable, and the Rams intend to be smart with him, but he should suit up while operating around 100 percent. Fantasy managers treat him like a full-go this week, which includes deploying him as a strong WR2 option in lineups. He has a touchdown in each of his last two games, ranking as the overall WR15 in fantasy football. This week, he faces the Colts, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to receivers but have not yet faced a duo as dominant as Adams and Puka Nacua.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Sep 28 8:30am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could lead the team's backfield in rushing attempts during Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Washington is still trying to figure out its rushing identity with Jayden Daniels (knee) sidelined and Jaylen Warren (Achilles) done for the year. The Commanders operated out of a committee last week, but it was Rodriguez who led the way with his team-high 11 carries for 39 yards. Although the 26-year-old handled the bulk of the volume, his teammates were responsible for finding the end zone; both Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored touchdowns. Fantasy managers will likely need Rodriguez to score a touchdown or catch a couple of passes to justify starting him as a top-36 running back this week. With that said, volume is king, and if there's a running back to start in Washington this week, Rodriguez may be the answer.

From RotoBaller

Kaleb Johnson Sep 28 8:10am CT
Kaleb Johnson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson could see more involvement in the offense during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Lead back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been ruled out for this game. That being said, Kenneth Gainwell, Johnson, and possibly Trey Sermon see bigger roles. Johnson has only seen two carries through the first three weeks of the season. However, the Steelers invested a third-round pick on Johnson, so he should start to see an increased role at some point. This seems like a prime opportunity for the Steelers to see what they have in the rookie back. Johnson is too risky to start in fantasy leagues, but is someone to keep an eye on for this early game in Dublin.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton Sep 28 8:00am CT
Tyquan Thornton

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games heading into Week 4. He has been a nice surprise for fantasy managers early in the season, but could see decreased value going forward. The Chiefs are getting Xavier Worthy back for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Worthy hasn't played since the season opener, but figures to surpass Thornton on the pecking order. Thornton only saw four targets in the season opener when Worthy actually played. That being said, fantasy managers should be prepared for Thornton to take a backseat in the receiving game. Given his recent success, Thornton could be a flex option for Sunday's game, but the 25-year-old is expected to lose usage.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Sep 28 7:50am CT
Demarcus Robinson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is back in the mix after serving a three-game suspension. Robinson has reportedly looked good in practice and could be involved right away. The 49ers are banged up with Brandon Aiyuk (knee), George Kittle (hamstring), Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder), and Jacob Cowing (hamstring) all dealing with injuries. If Jennings is limited it could lead to Robinson actually having a decent role on Sunday. Given all the injuries to this roster, Robinson could be worth a stash. However, he'll be tough to trust as a streaming option for this Week 4 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Sep 28 7:40am CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is expected to see an increased role during Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers are going to be without lead back Jaylen Warren (knee) for this game. That being said, Gainwell figures to be the lead back for this game. He has mainly been the receiving back through three weeks, but should see more carries in this one. Fantasy managers in desperate need of help should consider Gainwell a low-end flex option for this weekend. Also, Kaleb Johnson and Trey Sermon figure to be in the mix, but Gainwell is likely to see a bulk of the carries. Fantasy managers needing help should act fast with this being an early game in Dublin.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 28 7:20am CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been ruled out for the Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Warren tested out his knee pregame and wasn't feeling good enough to give it a go. This absence is a troubling situation for the Steelers who don't have a viable backup right now. Kenneth Gainwell figures to see increased snaps while Kaleb Johnson and Trey Sermon should be in the mix as well. Between the three, Gainwell offers the most fantasy upside for desperate managers heading into Week 4. Gainwell could offer some low-end flex appeal for this tough Sunday morning matchup in Dublin.

From RotoBaller

Derek Stingley Jr. Sep 28 7:10am CT
Derek Stingley Jr.

Top Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique) is "pushing to play" on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Texans are 0-3 and desperately in need of any good news, so the possibility that one of the league's top corners will be available qualifies. Stingley, however, is not likely to be at full health, Rapoport reported. The Titans have been one of the NFL's worst offenses through three weeks, giving Houston a good chance at its first win of the year.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 28 7:00am CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is likely to play through the injury on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Rams listed Adams as questionable after he missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. The first-year Ram has drawn an excellent 29 targets through three weeks, but caught only 13 of them. Still, he's been productive nonetheless with 213 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Against a middling Colts defense against fantasy receivers, Adams has WR1 potential.

From RotoBaller